There are very few souvenirs that I collect while traveling. Why? Because I don't feel I get my monies worth out of them. I find that they get put away as soon as we get home and never to be seen or enjoyed. Our contributor Michelle recently visited Polka dot Pots within within the Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville, Tennessee. When I found out Michele and her family would be painting their own pottery I thought what a fantastic souvenir that would be for the entire family! Take a Continue Reading
Cruise Chat: What to do on your Montego Bay Cruise Port Stop #BayouTravel
Montego Bay, Jamaica is one of the largest cities in the country and has long been an important port for trading and travel in and out of the island. For most of its modern history it was a key sugar port in the region. Today the area remains a major port for cruise ships coming into Jamaica and has been working to build and modernize its infrastructure. If Montego Bay is a stop on your cruise, there’s no shortage of things to do. Jamaica grows delicious coffee beans and a visit to Continue Reading
Walking with the Dinosaurs in Spain #BayouTravel
It’s not often that the opportunity presents itself to walk alongside dinosaur footprints but when you’re in northern Spain the reality is real. Most people who come to Spain visit Madrid and Barcelona, or maybe they venture south to Andalucia but head to the northern coast for something completely different. The region of Asturias is diverse and one of its claims to fame is millions of years old. In early June when the weather has just started to turn warm enough to brave the beach, families Continue Reading
My Family & The Size Factor – Cruising With Children #BayouTravel #CruisingCarnival
Disclosure: I was a guest aboard Carnival Cruise Lines and Carnival Dream. All opinions and thoughts are my own. For more information, please refer to this site's disclosure section. I started writing my about Carnival Cruise Lines and Carnival Dream experience which set sail out of New Orleans but as I began to edit my pictures I began to get very emotional. Initially I began writing about Carnival Dream and how appropriate this ship was for my family. You see, I have older children. Continue Reading
Eco-Friendly Tips for Family Travel #BayouTravel
Ready to take a vacation with the whole family, but want to do it in a sustainable way? In recent years there has been a growth in the sustainable travel industry aimed at individuals and families. In the past, going green while traveling meant expensive hotels and often lower quality products. Today, it’s almost the exact opposite! In numerous studies, travelers have responded that when given the choice they'd take a sustainable option over one that wasn't when presented with the choice. Continue Reading
Cruise Travel Preparations: What to know about Belize Cruise Port? #BayouTravel
The country of Belize has become one of Central America’s hottest destinations thanks to its Caribbean coast, proximity to Mexico, plentiful natural resources, and English speaking population. This nation, once a colony of Great Britain has been welcoming tens of thousands of tourists a year. If your next cruise makes a stop at the port of Belize here are some things you should know. Belize City Incoming cruise ships dock in Belize City that not only borders the Caribbean Sea but the Belize Continue Reading
Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort and Family Adventure Center #BayouTravel
Disclosure: This website and/or our contributor was a guest of Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort and Family Adventure Center. All opions and thoughts are our own. Please see the site's disclosure section for additional information. Last fall I visited Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort and Family Adventure Center. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay so when warm weather approached we wanted to experience the resort at it's full summer glory. If you are interested in booking Continue Reading
Orlando’s Cultural Family Travel Guide #BayouTravel
When I say Orlando what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The big mouse? Shamu the whale? Sunshine? But, did you know that Orlando and the surrounding area is also home to some great attractions that embrace the cultural history and experience of the region? Orlando is probably the last place you would think of visiting to experience Shakespeare but the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre takes pride in presenting classic performances and educational opportunities to visitors. They offer year round Continue Reading
Cruise Travel Guide: Food of the Caribbean #BayouTravel
Caribbean cuisine is a unique fusion of African, European, East Indian, Arab, Chinese, and Indigenous food and food styles. Because of the geographic nature of islands a lot of foods are based around the ingredients that can be found locally such as rice and beans, tropical fruits, fish, pork, poultry, and beef. Caribbean cooking also includes many different spices and herbs like hot peppers, garlic, onions, cilantro, rosemary and thyme. The availability of many items became possible only Continue Reading
Carnival Dream – When The Sun Goes Down Cruise Ship Entertainment #CruisingCarnival #BayouTravel
Disclosure: I was a guest of Carnival Dream. All opinions are my own. Please see site's disclosure section for additional information. When I travel with my family I want a combination of two things: Relaxation and Excitement. I'm not going to beat around the bush, I like my naps, especially on vacation. But when the sun goes down I like to enjoy local entertainment. During our recent cruise aboard Carnival Cruise Lines- Carnival Dream my family and I enjoyed all the entertainment options Continue Reading
Family Cruise Ship Excursions for Less – Western Caribbean #BayouTravel
Families can benefit in many ways by cruise travel. Aside from the bundled cost, the ease and convenience of cruise ship travel is a huge draw to many traveling families. In my mind, the actual cruise is not what draws people away from a cruise: It is the cost of each port day. During my recent Carnival Cruise Lines - Carnival Dream experience, I was determined to maximize my cruising dollar at every port. As I share my experience below I will be highlighting the overall cost at each port Continue Reading
Looking at Ivy Leagues Schools this year? Consider College & University Travel #BayouTravel
Parents of high school juniors and seniors with plans of attending an Ivy League school should make plans as soon as possible to tour the schools, facilities, and areas. An Ivy League education is a dream come true for most. Having excelled in high school to the point where this is a real possibility is an accomplishment in itself. The admissions processes for these schools are extensive and complex. Touring the campuses prior to applying can help narrow the list of options and reduce the stress Continue Reading